No progress on the kitchen today.

Not that I expected much. It was back to work for Mike, and he had to drive to the office for a meeting this morning. And because he was all the way across town, of course, I needed him to come right back.

My husband’s beloved Land Rover (also known as the money pit) decided to put up a fight while I was driving it today. The first thing that went was the power steering. I assumed the fluid was low, even though the old leak had long since been fixed. But when the vibration under the floor boards started, I was baffled as to what it could be. It was clear to me that the car was overheating, I could smell the heat, but that wouldn’t explain the power steering, or the strange flapping sound.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t check…the hood release was stuck so I couldn’t pop the hood.

I was stranded in the IHOP parking lot. And what else can one do when stranded at the International House of Pancakes?

Eat, of course!

But despite the overwhelming temptation to get something highly fattening, I settled on a vegetarian omelet and a glass of water. I am determined to get started on my pre-spring diet before spring is actually here.

After eating I was able to pop the hood and when I couldn’t find anything wrong (not that I would have known what I was looking for) I decided to drive it back home. Interestingly enough, when I got it back home and popped the hood (investigating the return of the flapping, vibrating sound) I discovered the coolant well boiling, steam leaking from the temperature gauge housing, and the fan belt dragging below. Apparently when the belt comes off it causes everything to go crazy…including the power steering. Mike has his work cut out for him…and it’s only Monday!

I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Until the next time…I’ll be sticking to my diet (since I can’t drive to McDonald’s for at least a few days.)